Abstract

[ANGLÈS] This study researched the possible use of recycled aggregates from mixed construction
and demolition waste in port applications.
The different applications, that nowadays are using recycled aggregates, were analyzed.
Then the investigation focused the research into concrete blocks. That blocks are part of
the protection area in contact with the waves (tidal zone) so it used a Special Technical
Specifications of the Barcelona’s Port to meet the relevant requirements.
It selected a recycled aggregate from a recycling plant in Catalonia and it did four stages
of manufacturing concrete specimens. The first two stages were performed using
cement type CEM I 42.5 R, varying the water/cement ratio between them and increasing
progressively the recycled aggregate percentages (0%, 25%, 50%, 100%). In stages 3
and 4 it used a cement type CEM III / B 42.5 L / SR, with seawater resistant capacity.
Also it varied the water/cement between them and then it increased the presence of
recycled aggregate, analogous to stages 1 and 2. Then it realized several tests to
evaluate the mechanical, physical and durability properties.
The research concluded that all the concretes tested reached the specifications required
of compressive strength. The concrete between a 25-50% of natural aggregate
replacement, have values very close to the requirements, while other amounts of
replacements were not accepted. The cement type CEM III / B 42.5 L / SR achieved
better results in all the durability tests.